Dream Of Me

Chapter 22

“What are you doing man?” Nikoli muttered to himself, splashing cold water on his face from the faucet and glanced in the mirror, noting his frown.

He didn’t necessarily need to use the facilities. He just had to go collect himself in private. He wanted to tell her everything, but he was at an impasse, fearing that she would run from him if she knew the truth. So, why did he feel the need to confess all his sins to her. Part of it could be that he was a hopeless romantic and had never given up hope that he would find someone perfect for him, but as the years passed he had come damn close to losing that faith time and time again. What was it about her that made him feel so at ease yet simultaneously out of control? She was just simply amazing to him and even when he wasn’t with her he couldn’t help thinking about her, imagining waking up to her next to him. He shook his head and exhaled a deep breath.

Leila made him want to feel again, to be complete again. He wanted to show her the world and what it had to offer. More than that, he wanted to experience life with her by his side. Inside he had died long ago, only his refusal to give in and stop caring kept him from becoming an unfeeling monster. Underneath it all, he was still human at heart and just wanted to be loved, just like anyone else. To some that might be a girlish thing to admit, but he was not ashamed of his true feelings.

He headed back to the woman of his dreams, ready for whatever chaotic emotions would come of it. He was in this for the long haul and he couldn’t wait to get to know her better. Before, if he wanted to know something about someone, he just tasted their blood. It was easier than asking questions and uncovered way more honest answers than he received just by asking. Humans had a nasty habit of lying, withholding or embellishing details to impress others or to hide things.

That’s probably why he had such strong feelings for Leila. She seemed honest to a fault. She said what she felt and meant what she said. She was a rare individual who knew what she wanted and went for it before the fear set in. He admired her and he even found her quirky awkwardness endearing. She was who she was and there was no changing her. Nor would he dare to try. She was perfect exactly the way she was and once she claimed her confidence, she would be unstoppable. As he made his way to their table, he caught her stealing a bite from his plate, half closing her eyes in pleasure.

She must’ve sensed him looking at her because her head tilted to look up at him apologetically, “Sorry. I couldn’t resist! It looked delicious.”

She giggled and appeared to be embarrassed, if her pink cheeks were any indication.

He chuckled at her rather sheepish expression, “It’s quite alright, but I would like to try yours to make us even, if that’s okay with you.”

She grinned at him, nodding enthusiastically, she seemed delighted that he wasn’t upset. He could almost see her body relax as she laughed.

All tension was gone and the somber topic of previous discussion was practically forgotten. Even as a human, Italian food had always been his favorite. The whole garlic thing was a myth that made him laugh. To think people actually wore garlic necklaces to ward off vampires was ludicrous.

“So, this might be a dumb question, but what kind of dreams did you have about me?” Her question caused a deep chuckle to start low in his belly before rumbling out. He had been wondering the same thing of her, she seemed to read his mind. Maybe she had psychic abilities? He shook his head at her, still laughing.

“Well, I should ask you the same question. What did we do in these...dreams of yours?” Leila blushed a light shade of crimson as she bit her lip, averting her gaze from his and stirring her food around on her plate.

“I asked you first.”

The way she looked at him then, made his heart speed up in time with her rapid heart beat. Nikoli cocked his head to the side and observed her for a moment, noting how his intense stare made her blush a deeper color of red and wondering for a brief few seconds if she was red all over.

“I think we both know the answer to that, Leila.”

What he really wanted to say was that he didn’t know why they were still sitting there, but he didn’t want to move too fast and scare her away before they even got the chance to get to know one another. Deciding to take a chance anyways, he took her hand, the electric feeling still there, but it was something he was getting used to.

“Would you like to get out of here? Maybe go for a ride on my bike? Or a walk?”

Leila choked on her wine a little, coughing sporadically to clear out the red liquid.

“Well, I uh...I don’t really know you that well, I don’t know to be honest.”

Nikoli traced circles on her hand with his thumb, a look of longing filling his eyes as he gazed at her face, so close, yet too far away to kiss. All he could think about was making love to her, kissing her face, touching her soft skin, drinking her blood. He had never been consumed by such desire for someone in a long, long time. It was driving him crazy that she wasn’t cradled in his arms again.

“Well, trust your gut, I always say. What is it telling you?”

Leila looked back at him with her green eyes flaming, lips parting as she ran her tongue along her lower lip before she replied in a breathless whisper.

“To take a chance and do something out of the ordinary for once...but-”

Nikoli reached out to brush a thumb across her lips, effectively shushing her as he tried hard to not notice the sound of her blood pumping through her veins as her heart began to race, the sound pounding in his ears. He fought his fangs when they tried to elongate, forcing back the urge to take just a sip as he cupped her face in both trembling hands to drive his point home.

“Then I think you should trust that. Don’t you? Let’s go for a walk, okay?”

“Okay.”

Leila smiled sheepishly at him then, her eyes aglow, a gentle blush on her cheeks, causing a new feeling to stir in his undead chest as he smiled back.

“I’ll meet you outside then, okay? Just let me take care of the check.” Nikoli squeezed her hand and smiled.

“Um alright. I’ll meet you out there.” Leila said grabbing her coat as she stood up, smiling as she walked to the door and glanced back at him once more before going outside.

Nikoli watched her walk away, admiring the way her hips swayed side to side, taunting him by showing off her firm, round bottom. He had a strong urge to bury his hands in her hair and sink his teeth into her neck, tasting her sweet nectar. Even more so, he had a desire to take Leila into his arms, kiss her senseless and make that beautiful woman his once and for all.

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